Back to the beginning: When TV couples first met

12th August 2017 6:00 AM

Jennifer Aniston with David Schwimmer in a scene from Friends.Contributed

by Josh Sorokach, New York Post

AS the saying goes: every great love story has a beginning.

But how did our favourite TV couples, such as Ross and Rachel or Seth and Summer, first meet? Prepare for a trip down memory lane as Decider takes a look back at the first encounters of nine classic TV couples.

FYI - To clarify, these are the first encounters we watched these characters have on their shows. We know Ross and Rachel knew each other in high school, but we're focusing on their initial interaction on the series.

ROSS AND RACHEL (FRIENDS)

What's the situation? So no one told Ross and Rachel that life was going to be this wayyyyy. As we're introduced to the Central Perk 6, Ross is getting divorced and Rachel just pulled a Runaway Bride on her wedding day. While the two knew each other in high school, this scene is the future couple's first encounter on the series.

First encounter:

Monica: You remember my brother Ross?

Rachel: Sure. Hi ... ah!

*An awkward Ross opens an umbrella into Rachel*

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? Considering all the future shenanigans these two would go through, Ross opening an umbrella on Rachel is quite indicative of future calamity.

SETH AND SUMMER (THE O.C.)

Seth and Summer from The O.C.Contributed

What's the situation? Long before Seth and Summer were declaring their undying love for one another on various coffee carts, the two had an icy connection that can best be described as, well, non-existent. Moments before the now infamous "Welcome to the O.C., bitch!" quip, Summer was trying to hook up with Ryan, which in hindsight, ew, because that just seems all types of wrong. A heartbroken Seth, who has harboured a longtime crush on Ms. Roberts, catches her in the act.

First encounter:

Seth (to Ryan): What are you doing? I named my boat after her.

Summer: What? Eww. Who are you?

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? No, but Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson's chemistry was undeniable as their relationship would be a pillar of the classic Fox series.

BUFFY AND ANGEL (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER)

Angel and Buffy, what a couple.News Corp Australia

What's the situation? Sensing she's being followed, Buffy acrobatically swings down from a bar and kicks Angel in the back, which is kinda foreplay for these two.

First encounter:

Angel: Is there a problem, ma'am?

Buffy: Yeah, there's a problem. Why are you following me?

Angel: I know what you're thinking, but don't worry. I don't bite. Truth is I thought you'd be taller. Or bigger muscles and all that. You're pretty spry though.

Buffy: What do you want?

Angel: The same thing you do.

Buffy: Okay, what do I want?

Angel: To kill them. To kill them all.

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? Definitely. Violence, flirting, banter? It's Buffy and Angel in a nutshell.

MITCH AND CAM (MODERN FAMILY)

Mitch and Cam from Modern Family.Contributed

What's the situation? Mitch and Cam are on a flight and they're bringing Lilly home for the very first time.

First encounter:

Lady: Honey, honey, look at those babies with those cream puffs.

Mitchell: Okay, excuse me. (stands up to give speech) Excuse me, but this baby would've grown up in a crowded orphanage if it wasn't for us cream puffs. And you know what? No, to all of you who judge. Hear this: Love knows no race, creed, or gender. And shame on you, you small-minded, ignorant few ...

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? Banter and copious amounts of coffee within the first minute of the series? The answer is obvious.

JOEY AND PACEY (DAWSON'S CREEK)

Joey was played by Joshua Jackson and Pacey was played by Katie Holmes.News Corp Australia

What's the situation? Steven Spielberg fanatic Dawson Leery is shooting a horror film that stars his two best friends, Joey Potter and Pacey Witter. Despite the scorching snap, crackle, and pop banter between Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes, the will they/won't they tension emanating from this particular creek is initially between Dawson and Joey. But the chemistry between Pacey and Joey couldn't be denied and one of the most memorable love triangles of the WB era was formed. In their first encounter, Pacey, dressed as a sea monster, attacks Joey and pulls her into the water.

First encounter:

Joey: He did it again. He grabbed my ass.

Pacey: Like you even have one.

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? Kind of. The sizzling repartee between the two is a Dawson's Creek staple. These two had that ineffable it-factor from the get-go.

MONICA AND CHANDLER (FRIENDS)

Monica was played by Courteney Cox Arquette and Chandler was played by Matthew Perry.News Corp Australia

What's the situation? The series begins with Monica and the gang (minus Ross and Rachel) debating if an upcoming hangout is actually a date, which goes to show you that 1994 and 2017 may not be as dissimilar as we think. Chandler's first words to Monica are "So does he have a hump? A hump and a hairpiece?" but their first encounter is below.

First encounter:

Monica: Okay, everybody relax. This is not a date. It's two people going out to dinner and not having sex.

Chandler: Sounds like a date to me.

Is this scene predictive of future adorableness? I mean, could that be any more of a Chandler Bing kinda thing to say?